8D music: its therapeutic effects according to science

The human experience of sound is total. We close our eyes, we feel, we listen, our hearts speed up or slow down, we can locate where each vibration comes from, perhaps an emotion arises.

However, in the technological reproduction of sound, all of it comes from boxes that emit it with more or less decibels. The stereo tries to produce a spatial perception, but is limited to the left-right axis.

Binaural playback technology achieves a much more realistic spatial effect. If you close your eyes, you can locate which direction the sound is coming from in relation to any of the possible axes: front-back, top-bottom, and left-right.

The recording and reproduction of binaural sound has been around for decades (the first attempts date back to 1881) and has received different names, such as 3D sound, Ambisonic and now 8D sound or music.

8D or binaural music can be used to meditate, sleep better or reduce anxiety

It is currently experiencing a renaissance and growing popularity thanks to the rise of virtual reality systems.

To make a binaural or 8D recording, two microphones are placed in ear-like cavities on either side of an artificial head that recreates the density and shape of a human head (there are “4-ear” systems that achieve an even more accomplished effect). .

These microphones capture and process sound as it would be perceived by human ears (for example, a sound arriving from the left reaches the right ear a little later after passing through or around the skull).

Of course, this type of sound is perceived better with good headphones.

Triggers a relaxation response at the brain level

Binaural sound or music offers many possibilities in the field of relaxation techniques and music therapy and they are already being explored.

The online ASMR community (Autonomous Meridian Sensory Response) uses binaural recordings to trigger relaxing, calming, stress-relieving and even healing physical responses.

An example of binaural music for therapeutic purposes mixes a relaxing melody with a beat at a certain rate that seems to be produced deep in the brain.

To produce this sensation, a heartbeat sound is directed with a slightly different frequency to each ear (for example, 200hz to one and 210hz to the other). The brain merges both sounds into one (therefore, in reality, that sound does not exist outside the brain) and perceives a new frequency of 10 Hz to which it tries to match.

Synchronize your brain in alpha or theta waves

A frequency of 10 Hz (the difference between left and right sound) corresponds to the alpha Type Brain Waves, associated with states of relaxation.

If the binaural sound produces a frequency of 4-7 Hz it falls into the range of theta waves, characteristic of the state of deep sleep or meditation.

Therapists assure that the binaural beat in the theta range reduces pain and anxiety. On YouTube it is easy to find music to meditate or compositions designed to cure insomnia, end fears, improve memory or feel happy.

Undoubtedly, some exaggerate, but there is very interesting science behind this therapeutic invention.

The science of binaural therapy

Dr. Troy A. Smith, from North Georgia University (United States) affirms that it can be an effective tool to synchronize the brain waves to the desired frequencies, for example, those of the delta and theta waves typical of relaxation and sleep.

There are studies that prove it. For example, a study of 15 young soccer players at the German Sport University in Cologne found that there was a significant reduction in anxiety and improved sleep quality when listening to binaural beats while sleeping.

Another study, this one conducted at the University of Richmond, found that 77% of 36 participants with chronic pain appreciated a significant decrease in discomfort after listening to binaural beats for 20 minutes each day.

Do it taking care of your ears

If you decide to try the magic of binaural or 8D sound in its playful or therapeutic version, don’t forget to do it with a low volume. High volume for a long time causes hearing damage. And don’t drive while listening to 8d compositions to sleep or relax.

Although there are no known cases, in theory the binaural sound that incorporates a heartbeat could be contraindicated if you suffer from epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias or have a pacemaker.